Xiao Hou (Hou Yaozhong)

Biography

Xiao Hou (Hou Yaozhong) is a Hong Kong martial arts actor, action choreographer, and action director, born on March 2, 1956. He received early training in Peking opera martial arts under teacher Fen Ju Hua, alongside classmates Dong Wei, Lin Zhengying, and Meng Hai. In the 1960s, he toured the United States with his teacher and classmates performing acrobatics. He joined the Lau Kar-leung school in 1975 before the age of 18 and became a main supporting actor before turning 20. His first leading role was in the 1979 film "Mad Monkey Kung Fu," where he played a disciple nicknamed "Little Monkey." His first work as assistant action choreographer was on the 1979 film "Raining in the Mountain," and his first work as deputy action choreographer was on the 1980 film "Clan of the White Lotus." Xiao Hou and his colleague Jing Zu formed a core trio in Lau Kar-leung's Shaw Brothers martial arts films. Known for his martial arts skills and comedic charm, he often played humorous roles in Lau's films. He later participated in multiple Sammo Hung films and choreographed action for films including "Exorcist Master," "Once Upon a Chinese Hero," and "Huang Feihong: Master of the East." According to the Hong Kong Film Archive, Xiao Hou has appeared in at least 31 films.